Delimitation, NEET and Cauvery: What Tamil Nadu CM Vijay discussed with Amit Shah | India News

Vijay also raised the issue of inter-state river disputes at the meeting.

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay on Thursday raised concerns over the proposed Delimitation Bill, 2026, saying southern states could lose their share of representation in Parliament if seats are redistributed mainly according to population.Speaking at the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah, Vijay, who is also the council’s vice-chairman, sought an assurance from the Centre that states which have successfully stabilised their populations would not be penalised through a reduction in their parliamentary representation.He said the issue had become particularly important as the freeze on the allocation of Lok Sabha seats based on the 1971 Census nears its end.“As the freeze on the allocation of Lok Sabha seats based on the 1971 Census approaches its end and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, is considered, there is a genuine and shared concern across the Southern States that delimitation based predominantly on populations may diminish our collective voice in Parliament,” he said.Vijay argued that southern states had achieved population control while also making progress in human development and economic growth. He said these achievements should not result in the states receiving less political representation.“The Southern States have been at the forefront of population stabilisation, human development, and economic growth. These achievements reflect the successful implementation of national priorities and should not result in a reduction of our representation. Public policy must not inadvertently penalise States for fulfilling national objectives,” he said.He called for a legislative guarantee to ensure that the proportion of parliamentary seats held by any state would not fall because of its success in controlling population growth.“I therefore, urge the Union Government to provide a clear legislative assurance that no State will suffer a reduction in its percentage of representation in Parliament on account of its success in population stabilisation. Such an approach would uphold the principles of equity, preserve the federal balance envisioned by our Constitution, and reinforce the confidence of all States in our democratic institutions,” he added.

Southern states’ delimitation concern

Southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have for years raised concerns about a population-based delimitation exercise.Their argument is that these states followed national family planning and population control policies more successfully over the past five decades. As a result, their populations have grown at a slower rate than those of several northern states.Vijay also raised the issue of inter-state river disputes, with particular focus on the long-running Cauvery dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.He said cooperation between states was important but must go hand in hand with compliance with court orders and decisions of statutory bodies.“Water is fundamental to the lives, Agriculture and livelihoods of millions, and the management of interstate rivers demands both cooperation and unwavering respect for the rule of law. First, the legitimate rights of lower riparian States and the livelihoods that depend on assured river flows must be fully protected. Second, the judgments of the Supreme Court, the awards of duly constituted tribunals, and the statutory mechanisms established for river management must be implemented in letter and spirit,” he said.

Vijay seeks compliance with Cauvery water orders

Referring specifically to the Cauvery dispute, Vijay said decisions taken by the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority must be implemented without delay.“The timely implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment and the decisions of the Cauvery Water Management Authority remains essential,” he said.The Cauvery Water Management Authority had directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water a day to Tamil Nadu at Biligundlu from 8 am on August 12 for 15 days. The Supreme Court has also directed the Karnataka government to ensure compliance with the order.

Tamil Nadu renews demand to replace NEET for state quota

Vijay also reiterated Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, or NEET, saying the examination places rural and disadvantaged students at a disadvantage.“Tamil Nadu has consistently maintained that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) places students from rural backgrounds and socially and economically disadvantaged communities at a distinct disadvantage, undermining the State’s long-standing model of inclusive access based on school education,” he said.